[SchoolFinance] Updated Guidance Regarding ECSE 676 for 5-year-olds in PreK if in Cohort 3

[Gravelle, Paula B]

Hello All,

For those of you who attended our School Finance and Compliance trainings over the last couple of weeks, thank you.

I also want to apologize for the confusion and subsequent correction regarding the funding of a 5-year-old child who is eligible for Kindergarten, has an IEP, and is enrolled in PreK.

To clarify:

In most cases, these students are not eligible for ECSE funding because they are kindergarten eligible. However, they are included in the EPS funding calculation.

The one exception is for Cohort 3 SAUs. During their first year in Cohort 3, SAUs are eligible to receive Chapter 676 funding for all Chapter 676 students, including kindergarten-eligible 5-year-olds with IEPs who remain enrolled in PreK. This is a one-time transition provision and is the only year Cohort 3 SAUs are eligible for this funding.

I apologize again for the confusion, and I appreciate your patience as we worked through this clarification.

Sincerely,
________________________________________

Paula Gravelle
Director of Public School Finance
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023
Email: paula.b.gravelle at maine.gov<mailto:paula.b.gravelle at maine.gov>
Phone: 207-624-6792
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